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The Reporter. (Akron, Ohio), 1971-06-05

The Reporter. (Akron, Ohio), 1971-06-05 page 1

THIS PAPER IS WORTH MONEY USE THE PEPSI COUPON ON PAGE 12 eporter WHAT YOU CAN DO Local Roman Catholic and Episcopalian ties will be strengthened this Sunday when a group of parishioners from Saint Martha Church attends the nine o'clock mass at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church The visit, arranged by the Rev. Richard Turner, pastor of Saint Andrew's, concludes a two-month-fellowship program between the two North Hill congreptions. The program was sponsored by the community relations commission of Saint Martha's parish council. "Ecumenism is too rapidly becoming the prerogative of theologians and church hierarchy," said the Rev James Gardiner, Roman Catholic consultant to the Greater Akron Intergroup Ministry and advisor to the Saint Martha group. "We thought we'd change some of that," he added, "and give the man in the pew part of the action." Billed as an exercise in "grass roots" ecumenism, the study-fellowship program included a tour of the Episcopalian church and a freeflowing discussion with the pastor. Vol. 2 No. 3b June & thru June 12 1 5 centt per t?Py STATE CUT CIVIL RIGHT FUNDS FIRESTONE HONORED The highest civilian honor the Italian government can bestow on a foreign citizen was presented last week in an official ceremony at Bah, Italy, to Raymond C. Firestone, company chairman and chief executive officer. Mr. Firestone received the Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy for the company's contribution to the Italian economy and "particularly to the economy of the South of Italy." Specifically cited was the company's Italian tire manufacturing and sales subsidiaryFireslone Brema, S.P.A. The presentation to Mr. Firestone was made by Dr. Nilo Pignataro, Prefect of Bari. Firestone Brema, which Is headquartered in |(fi, was incorporated in June, 1962, and has undergone several major expansions since its founding. A $10 million building and modernization program scheduled for completion by the end of 1971 will add 320,000 square feet to the manufacturing plant. Tire production capacity will be increased by more than SO per cent, according to H. H. McAllister, Brema managing Raymond C. Firestone director. Fireatone turopa, S.p.A., a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in 1968, is headquartered in Rome and serves as Firestone's management and tire research and development center in Europe. Mr. Firestone, Dr. Pignataro, national and provincial government officials and civic and business leaders toured the Bari plant before the awards ceremony at the Palace of the Governor. A civic luncheon followed the ceremony. GARRETT ON OVERSEAS MISSION United States Congresswoma n Shirley Chisholm announced today that she is sending her Research Assistant, Thaddeus Garrett, Jr. of Akron, Ohio on a two-prong foreign policy inspection trip this month. Garrett will leave on June 25, 1971 for trip to the Middle East, where he will confer with both Israeli and Arab nation government leaders on the current conflict and explore ways in which peace negotiations can be implemented. He will tour the combat areas and also speak to students at the university in Tel Aviv. The second part of Garrett's overseas mission will be visits to United States military bases in four NATO countries Germany, Greece, Turkey, and Italy, where his specific assignment will be to investigate on behalf of Rep. Chisholm and the House Black Caucus, the trowing racial tensions which are near explosive proportions on our overseas bases. He wil' hold a series of meetings with black enlisted men and Army and Air Force officials. He will also meet with local government leaders to discuss ways in which tension between foreigners and black servicemen can be lessened. Rep. Chisholm, who is chairman of the Military Affairs Committee of the Black Caucus, said, "His trip will mark the first time that anyone from the Congress has gone overseas to ascertain the degree of this problem of racial discrimination in the military which exists in such a hidden way." Sjhe further stated that an extensive first-hand probe of the many complaints and pleas for help by black servicemen stationed overseas, which the Black Caucus has received (particularly in Germany), is now urgently needed if the true sources of the problem are to be known any real racial explosion is to be averted." Garrett, who is currently Vice Chairman of Akron Human Relations Commission stated that he was fearful of racial disorders of the nature of that recently at Travis Air Base in California, breaking out this year overseas. He will issue a complete report to the Black Caucus and the Congress upon his return. Thaddeus Garrett, Jr., Research Assistant to United States Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, will be the commencement speaker at Akron's Buchtel High School graduation exercises on June 9 at 8 00 p.m. in the Firestone High School gymnasium. Garrett, the first black Y.M.C.A. Youth Governor of Ohio, will address a large graduating class on the theme of "The Possible Dream". A graduate of Buchtel and the University of Akron, he taught American History and Government at both of those institutions. He is currently serving his second term as Vice Chairman of Akron's Human Relations Commission, and is a nationally award-winning speaker. BANKER Fred D. Weber is 26 years old and resides at 88 W. Salome Ave., Akron. He is the son of Mrs. John F. (Virginia) Weber. He is presently employed at the Akron National Bank and Trust Co. in the Branch administrative section at the Akron center office in the Cascade I Building. Mr. Weber graduated from Akron North High School in June 1962 and has attended the University of Akron. He entered the service (U.S. Army) in June 1 965 and was honorarily discharged in March of 1967 having received the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service during his tour of duty in Vietnam from April, 1966 to March 1967. Mr. Weber has been employed" by the AKfoil National Bank for four years and among his various duties he serves in the capacity of an installment loan interviewer. Mr. Weber is a member of the Mt.Zion Baptist church, he Fred D. Weber is active as a group leader, youth educational incentives program at The Akron Community Service Center ai'4' Urban League and he is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Sum mit Portage county Health Planning Agency. HUMAN RELATION COMM. REPORT By Edward V. Brown, Director In response to the request by the Akron Branch N.A.A.C.P. for the Akron Human Relations Commission to investigate the appearance of racia! designations on City of Akron Police Report of Arrest froms and Accident Report forms and to seek removal of such racial designations. Regarding Report of Arrest forms, it has been determined by the Akron Police Department, Summit County Sheriffs Department, does the actual processing of bookings when persons are arrested. The problem in deleting racial designations from the court Regarding Report of Arrest forms, it has been determined by the Akron Police Department, Summit County Sheriffs Department and the Akron Municipal Court that the practice of indicating race on the court copy of' such forms has ceased. By contract with the Akron Police Department, the Sheriffs Department does the actual processing of bookings when persons are arrested. The problem in deleting racial designations from the court copy of Report of Arrest forms is that the forms are in a carbonated packet with the court copy as the original and four carbon copies that become permanent police records. The solution that has been worked out is that the blank for racial designation will not be typed in on the court copy but later completed on the necessary police records. At present, the Police Department is attempting to find a solution that will eliminate a space for racial designation on court copies when new forms are ordered. Regarding Accident Report forms, spaces for racial designations have been blocked-out on existing forms and future report forms will not have any space for racial designations at all. The Human Relations Commission will followup on this matter in twomonths time to determine if the practice of indicating race on Accident Report forms and court copies of Report of Arrest forms has been uniformly discontinued by the Akron Police Department and Summit Ct?unty Sheriffs Department. COMPLAINTS AGAINST HOSPITAL Whereas, The Akron Branch NAACP is a Civil Rights Organization in the City of Akron, Ohio concerned about racial justice and equal opportunity for minority group persons, and Whereas, The Akron Branch NAACP is particularly concerned about equal opportunity in the area of employment especially at this point and time with a light labor market, and Whereas, The Human Relations Commission of The City of Akron has as one of its functions to investigate areas of alleged inequity as it relates to treatment of minority group persons, and Whereas, The Akron Branch NA AC P has received complaints from certain of its members alleging thai the Akron General Hospital employs certain persons, mostly male persons, in the category of "orderlies" and that over the years and currently very few of these orderlies have been of the AKRON PRtORITHB The following report has been made to Bruce L. Newman, Director of Human Resources Department of Urban Affairs, State of Ohio, by the Akron Chapter NAACP. 1. There is a need for such a program. 2. An adequate follow through is necessary. 3. The mobilization and involvement of people is a necessity for any successful program. The most dangerous instrument is unknowledgeable people. 4. The involvement of minority group people in every facet is important. 5. The value of the para professional should be reassured. 6. Under special programs certain categorical programs invoWifig responsive inMi?city residents should be adopted. 7. We, as representatives, of the minority segment of our communities have been researched, studied, and analyzed. It is necess to compile past studies, reports and establish realistic goals accomplishing them with relevant meaningful action. I do not totally agree that it is necessary for the State to assume a paternalistic role regardless of the supportive services available. In effect, minority group people have worked under restrictive measures and pressures for some time and the realistic value is the assumption of responsibility. Various programs can be helpful to the overall community if these programs are directed toward the elimination of conditions of a deteriorating innercity and the promotion of economics endowed with the restoration and beautification of a total community. Community needs are as relevant an issue and are consistent and irritating to the black community. Therefore, outlined herein are areas of concern that have meaning and value: 1. An upgraded poverty program. 2. New innovative programs designed to incl ude neighborhood residents in the re vitalization of their community with participating control. 3. A more inclusive Model Cities program. 4. An increase in funds for economic development. 5. Supportive services for the small businessman and Grants in Aid. 6. Drug Abuse programs. 7. Built in incentives for the welfare recipient. 8. An employment plan with meaningful realistic relevant training programs. 9. Meaningful programs for the returning Veteran from the Armed Services. 10. A summer job pwyipt for youth. 11. The elimination of punitive measures in the education bill re House Bill 116, Sections 6 thru 30, inclusive. 1 2 . The revitalization of jobs and the increase in minority of minority groups skill development programs and on-thejob training slots. 13. Realistic insurance coverage for minority businessmen. 14. Tax relief programs should be initiated to benefit the marginal working poor, the struggling small businessman who bears the brunt of the tax burden. Such a plan could be enacted similar to tax relief programs for the farmer. Although we have had a Mayors' Commission Report on Civil Disorders in 1968, situations continue to develop and move toward unrealistic goals of a system that perpetuates itself, with little or no emphasis on human value. I find the wide range of purposes and goals of your communication reflecting new vistas and challenges. Of priority are Sections 4, 3, and 2 in that orrfer. Negro race, and those persons who have brought such complaint to the Akron Branch NAACP alleged that members of the Negro race are purposely discriminated against and denied the same opportunity to be orderlies as afforded White persons, and , Whereas, The Akron Branch NAACP, has ascertained that it is a widespread belief in the Black community of Akron that members of the Negro race are excluded from and/or discouraged from earning the classification of orderly at Akron General Hospital by the hospital itself, and Whereas, such belief about any institution in our community by any significant number of persons is to the detriment of the well-being of the community, and the staff to investigate such allegations and ascertain the truth or falsity of same and thereafter communicate to the general public their findings so as to abate any misconceptions, if any, lh ct ?4 ore, The Ak ron Branch NAACP makes the following requests of The Human Relations Commission of The City of Akron: 1. That full investigation be conducted immediately to ascertain the number of white and black persons that have been employed by the Akron General Hospital for at least the last five (5) years, in the position of orderly. 2. To determine whether or not black persons are afforded the same opportunity as white persons to become orderlies. 3. To determine whether or not, and if so why, the black person in a recent orderly training class was dismissed from that class and whether or not such dismissal was made with good cause. 4. To determine whether or not Akron General Hospital is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects, phases, and areas of employment. 5. To report back its findings to the Akron Branch NAACP and the Akron community at large. WORK OF COMM. HAMPERED The proposed cut of 83% of the budget increase request of the Gilligan Administration for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission is a staggering blow to Civil Rights in Ohio, Ellis L. Ross, Executive Director of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, said today. The action of. the Legislature in effect leaves the Civil Rights Commission in the position of operating on virtually the same basis as during the present biennum. This occurs in the face of rising case loads in every region and rising in the face of rising case loads in every region and rising costs for personnel and general operations, Ross explained. The Commission asked increases in personnel and maintenance for the biennum of $478,194. Of this amount the Legislature saw fit to cut $400,000 or 83% leaving an increase for the biennum of 78,194. The total allocation in the appropriation provided in House Bill 47S consists of 1,381,320 which is the cost of the current biennum for Ohio Civil Rights operation plus the $78,194 increase which in these inflationary times and the increasing load placed on the Commission by the Civil Right Laws of Ohio, is very trivial. The principal cut came in personnel. For the two year period the Commission asked $57,402. Of this $50,000 was disallowed, a cut of 87% leaving onlv an increase of $7,402. A modest equipment increase of $8,076 requested for the biennum was left intact. "Denial of additional investigatory and supervisory personnel makes it impossible for the Commission to contain the alarming increase of charges being filed with the Commission by persons alleging discrimination against them because of their race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry," Ross said. He pointed out that as of January 1 , this year, there was a carry over of 848 cases from the calendar year 1970. Justice delayed is very much justice denied in cases involving racial discrimination, he emphasized. Cases have been coming in to the Civil Rights Commission at the rate of 129 a month in nceat months. This reflects increase over comparable periods as of June 30, 1970 of 59.4%. The Commission ftruggled to handle cases on the present appropriation but as evidence by the carry over did not succeed. The reduction of $350,000 in personnel requested is really an announcement that charges filed this year cannot possible be investigated and carried through to a conclusion within the year and a half. This greatly diminishes the utility of the antdiscrimination statutes. Ross expressed the hope that the members of the legislature, many of whom are familiar with the problems involved in achieving civil rights in Ohio and the importance of doing effective work in that direction, will see fit to restore the requested funds in the action on appropriations. Ross said that the work of the Commission is a direct contribution to the development of a better climate for all citizens of Ohio and to attract business and industry to this State. PIGGYBACK SALES TAX By Mark Rivenscraft "I will not support the Vx% piggyback sales tax. I have listened to all the arguments, pro and con, and have weighed them carefully. "County government is in desperate need of more money, but in each and every household, working men and their families are experiencing the same need for additional money. "They must live within their income and so must we. This will cause painful judgement, to face the situation as it is now, rather than to force a tax on the people that is regressive and unfair, only to have them repeal it in November and be caught in a situation, where recurring expenditures had been added to the budget, but future revenue had been denied. Sales tax is a bad form of taxation. If we, as elected officials of government, sacrifice the principle of equity and fairness through tax reform, substituting convenience or government by crisis, then we have prolonged a system which is harmful to the majority of our people. The principle of "ability to pay according to income," is the only way to build a firm, long-lasting revenue base. "I believe in taxes which are based on the ability to pay, therefore, I am opposed to the piggyback tax. The consequences are severe. We cannot maintain present levels of spending, indeed, county services may be cut back. This is not a pleasant situation. "If the state legislature does not help us, the situation will get worse. Should we be denied financial assistance our story will have to be told. I strongly disagree with one of my colleagues, who was quoted as saying, "sometimes it is incumbent on public officials to do for the people what the people are unwilling to do for themselves.'* Taxes in particular should not be based on this premise. "Though it might seem foolish to some. I am still confident that the residents of Summit County will make the right decisions. It is not my theory of government to deny them their voice. "If our story is told and facts put before the people, they will respond as they have in the past. "Until that time. I feel, we must live within' our means."

THIS PAPER IS WORTH MONEY USE THE PEPSI COUPON ON PAGE 12 eporter WHAT YOU CAN DO Local Roman Catholic and Episcopalian ties will be strengthened this Sunday when a group of parishioners from Saint Martha Church attends the nine o'clock mass at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church The visit, arranged by the Rev. Richard Turner, pastor of Saint Andrew's, concludes a two-month-fellowship program between the two North Hill congreptions. The program was sponsored by the community relations commission of Saint Martha's parish council. "Ecumenism is too rapidly becoming the prerogative of theologians and church hierarchy," said the Rev James Gardiner, Roman Catholic consultant to the Greater Akron Intergroup Ministry and advisor to the Saint Martha group. "We thought we'd change some of that," he added, "and give the man in the pew part of the action." Billed as an exercise in "grass roots" ecumenism, the study-fellowship program included a tour of the Episcopalian church and a freeflowing discussion with the pastor. Vol. 2 No. 3b June & thru June 12 1 5 centt per t?Py STATE CUT CIVIL RIGHT FUNDS FIRESTONE HONORED The highest civilian honor the Italian government can bestow on a foreign citizen was presented last week in an official ceremony at Bah, Italy, to Raymond C. Firestone, company chairman and chief executive officer. Mr. Firestone received the Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy for the company's contribution to the Italian economy and "particularly to the economy of the South of Italy." Specifically cited was the company's Italian tire manufacturing and sales subsidiaryFireslone Brema, S.P.A. The presentation to Mr. Firestone was made by Dr. Nilo Pignataro, Prefect of Bari. Firestone Brema, which Is headquartered in |(fi, was incorporated in June, 1962, and has undergone several major expansions since its founding. A $10 million building and modernization program scheduled for completion by the end of 1971 will add 320,000 square feet to the manufacturing plant. Tire production capacity will be increased by more than SO per cent, according to H. H. McAllister, Brema managing Raymond C. Firestone director. Fireatone turopa, S.p.A., a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in 1968, is headquartered in Rome and serves as Firestone's management and tire research and development center in Europe. Mr. Firestone, Dr. Pignataro, national and provincial government officials and civic and business leaders toured the Bari plant before the awards ceremony at the Palace of the Governor. A civic luncheon followed the ceremony. GARRETT ON OVERSEAS MISSION United States Congresswoma n Shirley Chisholm announced today that she is sending her Research Assistant, Thaddeus Garrett, Jr. of Akron, Ohio on a two-prong foreign policy inspection trip this month. Garrett will leave on June 25, 1971 for trip to the Middle East, where he will confer with both Israeli and Arab nation government leaders on the current conflict and explore ways in which peace negotiations can be implemented. He will tour the combat areas and also speak to students at the university in Tel Aviv. The second part of Garrett's overseas mission will be visits to United States military bases in four NATO countries Germany, Greece, Turkey, and Italy, where his specific assignment will be to investigate on behalf of Rep. Chisholm and the House Black Caucus, the trowing racial tensions which are near explosive proportions on our overseas bases. He wil' hold a series of meetings with black enlisted men and Army and Air Force officials. He will also meet with local government leaders to discuss ways in which tension between foreigners and black servicemen can be lessened. Rep. Chisholm, who is chairman of the Military Affairs Committee of the Black Caucus, said, "His trip will mark the first time that anyone from the Congress has gone overseas to ascertain the degree of this problem of racial discrimination in the military which exists in such a hidden way." Sjhe further stated that an extensive first-hand probe of the many complaints and pleas for help by black servicemen stationed overseas, which the Black Caucus has received (particularly in Germany), is now urgently needed if the true sources of the problem are to be known any real racial explosion is to be averted." Garrett, who is currently Vice Chairman of Akron Human Relations Commission stated that he was fearful of racial disorders of the nature of that recently at Travis Air Base in California, breaking out this year overseas. He will issue a complete report to the Black Caucus and the Congress upon his return. Thaddeus Garrett, Jr., Research Assistant to United States Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, will be the commencement speaker at Akron's Buchtel High School graduation exercises on June 9 at 8 00 p.m. in the Firestone High School gymnasium. Garrett, the first black Y.M.C.A. Youth Governor of Ohio, will address a large graduating class on the theme of "The Possible Dream". A graduate of Buchtel and the University of Akron, he taught American History and Government at both of those institutions. He is currently serving his second term as Vice Chairman of Akron's Human Relations Commission, and is a nationally award-winning speaker. BANKER Fred D. Weber is 26 years old and resides at 88 W. Salome Ave., Akron. He is the son of Mrs. John F. (Virginia) Weber. He is presently employed at the Akron National Bank and Trust Co. in the Branch administrative section at the Akron center office in the Cascade I Building. Mr. Weber graduated from Akron North High School in June 1962 and has attended the University of Akron. He entered the service (U.S. Army) in June 1 965 and was honorarily discharged in March of 1967 having received the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service during his tour of duty in Vietnam from April, 1966 to March 1967. Mr. Weber has been employed" by the AKfoil National Bank for four years and among his various duties he serves in the capacity of an installment loan interviewer. Mr. Weber is a member of the Mt.Zion Baptist church, he Fred D. Weber is active as a group leader, youth educational incentives program at The Akron Community Service Center ai'4' Urban League and he is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Sum mit Portage county Health Planning Agency. HUMAN RELATION COMM. REPORT By Edward V. Brown, Director In response to the request by the Akron Branch N.A.A.C.P. for the Akron Human Relations Commission to investigate the appearance of racia! designations on City of Akron Police Report of Arrest froms and Accident Report forms and to seek removal of such racial designations. Regarding Report of Arrest forms, it has been determined by the Akron Police Department, Summit County Sheriffs Department, does the actual processing of bookings when persons are arrested. The problem in deleting racial designations from the court Regarding Report of Arrest forms, it has been determined by the Akron Police Department, Summit County Sheriffs Department and the Akron Municipal Court that the practice of indicating race on the court copy of' such forms has ceased. By contract with the Akron Police Department, the Sheriffs Department does the actual processing of bookings when persons are arrested. The problem in deleting racial designations from the court copy of Report of Arrest forms is that the forms are in a carbonated packet with the court copy as the original and four carbon copies that become permanent police records. The solution that has been worked out is that the blank for racial designation will not be typed in on the court copy but later completed on the necessary police records. At present, the Police Department is attempting to find a solution that will eliminate a space for racial designation on court copies when new forms are ordered. Regarding Accident Report forms, spaces for racial designations have been blocked-out on existing forms and future report forms will not have any space for racial designations at all. The Human Relations Commission will followup on this matter in twomonths time to determine if the practice of indicating race on Accident Report forms and court copies of Report of Arrest forms has been uniformly discontinued by the Akron Police Department and Summit Ct?unty Sheriffs Department. COMPLAINTS AGAINST HOSPITAL Whereas, The Akron Branch NAACP is a Civil Rights Organization in the City of Akron, Ohio concerned about racial justice and equal opportunity for minority group persons, and Whereas, The Akron Branch NAACP is particularly concerned about equal opportunity in the area of employment especially at this point and time with a light labor market, and Whereas, The Human Relations Commission of The City of Akron has as one of its functions to investigate areas of alleged inequity as it relates to treatment of minority group persons, and Whereas, The Akron Branch NA AC P has received complaints from certain of its members alleging thai the Akron General Hospital employs certain persons, mostly male persons, in the category of "orderlies" and that over the years and currently very few of these orderlies have been of the AKRON PRtORITHB The following report has been made to Bruce L. Newman, Director of Human Resources Department of Urban Affairs, State of Ohio, by the Akron Chapter NAACP. 1. There is a need for such a program. 2. An adequate follow through is necessary. 3. The mobilization and involvement of people is a necessity for any successful program. The most dangerous instrument is unknowledgeable people. 4. The involvement of minority group people in every facet is important. 5. The value of the para professional should be reassured. 6. Under special programs certain categorical programs invoWifig responsive inMi?city residents should be adopted. 7. We, as representatives, of the minority segment of our communities have been researched, studied, and analyzed. It is necess to compile past studies, reports and establish realistic goals accomplishing them with relevant meaningful action. I do not totally agree that it is necessary for the State to assume a paternalistic role regardless of the supportive services available. In effect, minority group people have worked under restrictive measures and pressures for some time and the realistic value is the assumption of responsibility. Various programs can be helpful to the overall community if these programs are directed toward the elimination of conditions of a deteriorating innercity and the promotion of economics endowed with the restoration and beautification of a total community. Community needs are as relevant an issue and are consistent and irritating to the black community. Therefore, outlined herein are areas of concern that have meaning and value: 1. An upgraded poverty program. 2. New innovative programs designed to incl ude neighborhood residents in the re vitalization of their community with participating control. 3. A more inclusive Model Cities program. 4. An increase in funds for economic development. 5. Supportive services for the small businessman and Grants in Aid. 6. Drug Abuse programs. 7. Built in incentives for the welfare recipient. 8. An employment plan with meaningful realistic relevant training programs. 9. Meaningful programs for the returning Veteran from the Armed Services. 10. A summer job pwyipt for youth. 11. The elimination of punitive measures in the education bill re House Bill 116, Sections 6 thru 30, inclusive. 1 2 . The revitalization of jobs and the increase in minority of minority groups skill development programs and on-thejob training slots. 13. Realistic insurance coverage for minority businessmen. 14. Tax relief programs should be initiated to benefit the marginal working poor, the struggling small businessman who bears the brunt of the tax burden. Such a plan could be enacted similar to tax relief programs for the farmer. Although we have had a Mayors' Commission Report on Civil Disorders in 1968, situations continue to develop and move toward unrealistic goals of a system that perpetuates itself, with little or no emphasis on human value. I find the wide range of purposes and goals of your communication reflecting new vistas and challenges. Of priority are Sections 4, 3, and 2 in that orrfer. Negro race, and those persons who have brought such complaint to the Akron Branch NAACP alleged that members of the Negro race are purposely discriminated against and denied the same opportunity to be orderlies as afforded White persons, and , Whereas, The Akron Branch NAACP, has ascertained that it is a widespread belief in the Black community of Akron that members of the Negro race are excluded from and/or discouraged from earning the classification of orderly at Akron General Hospital by the hospital itself, and Whereas, such belief about any institution in our community by any significant number of persons is to the detriment of the well-being of the community, and the staff to investigate such allegations and ascertain the truth or falsity of same and thereafter communicate to the general public their findings so as to abate any misconceptions, if any, lh ct ?4 ore, The Ak ron Branch NAACP makes the following requests of The Human Relations Commission of The City of Akron: 1. That full investigation be conducted immediately to ascertain the number of white and black persons that have been employed by the Akron General Hospital for at least the last five (5) years, in the position of orderly. 2. To determine whether or not black persons are afforded the same opportunity as white persons to become orderlies. 3. To determine whether or not, and if so why, the black person in a recent orderly training class was dismissed from that class and whether or not such dismissal was made with good cause. 4. To determine whether or not Akron General Hospital is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects, phases, and areas of employment. 5. To report back its findings to the Akron Branch NAACP and the Akron community at large. WORK OF COMM. HAMPERED The proposed cut of 83% of the budget increase request of the Gilligan Administration for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission is a staggering blow to Civil Rights in Ohio, Ellis L. Ross, Executive Director of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, said today. The action of. the Legislature in effect leaves the Civil Rights Commission in the position of operating on virtually the same basis as during the present biennum. This occurs in the face of rising case loads in every region and rising in the face of rising case loads in every region and rising costs for personnel and general operations, Ross explained. The Commission asked increases in personnel and maintenance for the biennum of $478,194. Of this amount the Legislature saw fit to cut $400,000 or 83% leaving an increase for the biennum of 78,194. The total allocation in the appropriation provided in House Bill 47S consists of 1,381,320 which is the cost of the current biennum for Ohio Civil Rights operation plus the $78,194 increase which in these inflationary times and the increasing load placed on the Commission by the Civil Right Laws of Ohio, is very trivial. The principal cut came in personnel. For the two year period the Commission asked $57,402. Of this $50,000 was disallowed, a cut of 87% leaving onlv an increase of $7,402. A modest equipment increase of $8,076 requested for the biennum was left intact. "Denial of additional investigatory and supervisory personnel makes it impossible for the Commission to contain the alarming increase of charges being filed with the Commission by persons alleging discrimination against them because of their race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry," Ross said. He pointed out that as of January 1 , this year, there was a carry over of 848 cases from the calendar year 1970. Justice delayed is very much justice denied in cases involving racial discrimination, he emphasized. Cases have been coming in to the Civil Rights Commission at the rate of 129 a month in nceat months. This reflects increase over comparable periods as of June 30, 1970 of 59.4%. The Commission ftruggled to handle cases on the present appropriation but as evidence by the carry over did not succeed. The reduction of $350,000 in personnel requested is really an announcement that charges filed this year cannot possible be investigated and carried through to a conclusion within the year and a half. This greatly diminishes the utility of the antdiscrimination statutes. Ross expressed the hope that the members of the legislature, many of whom are familiar with the problems involved in achieving civil rights in Ohio and the importance of doing effective work in that direction, will see fit to restore the requested funds in the action on appropriations. Ross said that the work of the Commission is a direct contribution to the development of a better climate for all citizens of Ohio and to attract business and industry to this State. PIGGYBACK SALES TAX By Mark Rivenscraft "I will not support the Vx% piggyback sales tax. I have listened to all the arguments, pro and con, and have weighed them carefully. "County government is in desperate need of more money, but in each and every household, working men and their families are experiencing the same need for additional money. "They must live within their income and so must we. This will cause painful judgement, to face the situation as it is now, rather than to force a tax on the people that is regressive and unfair, only to have them repeal it in November and be caught in a situation, where recurring expenditures had been added to the budget, but future revenue had been denied. Sales tax is a bad form of taxation. If we, as elected officials of government, sacrifice the principle of equity and fairness through tax reform, substituting convenience or government by crisis, then we have prolonged a system which is harmful to the majority of our people. The principle of "ability to pay according to income," is the only way to build a firm, long-lasting revenue base. "I believe in taxes which are based on the ability to pay, therefore, I am opposed to the piggyback tax. The consequences are severe. We cannot maintain present levels of spending, indeed, county services may be cut back. This is not a pleasant situation. "If the state legislature does not help us, the situation will get worse. Should we be denied financial assistance our story will have to be told. I strongly disagree with one of my colleagues, who was quoted as saying, "sometimes it is incumbent on public officials to do for the people what the people are unwilling to do for themselves.'* Taxes in particular should not be based on this premise. "Though it might seem foolish to some. I am still confident that the residents of Summit County will make the right decisions. It is not my theory of government to deny them their voice. "If our story is told and facts put before the people, they will respond as they have in the past. "Until that time. I feel, we must live within' our means."